First five things on Jim Crane’s to-do list as new Astros owner

What’s next for the Astros? Key items on the to-do list of new Astros owner Jim Crane, who on Thursday received approval from Major League Baseball to take the reins from Drayton McLane:

1. Collaborate with chief executive officer George Postolos on ways to mend fences with a fan base that is irate over an impending move to the American League. The Astros have been in the National League since 1962, and the Houston Buffs were a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate from 1921-1959. Crane opposed a move to the NL, but people familiar with the negotiations say the only way to gain approval was to relent. He ultimately negotiated a $70 million discount on the purchase, which is of little consolation to the fans who feel disenfranchised by the process.

2. Assess how to proceed with the management team. Pam Gardner, the president of business operations the past 11 seasons, will remain with the organization. Crane said looking at the baseball operations will be “the first order of business” once the transfer of the team occurs on Tuesday. Tal Smith, the president of baseball operations, just finished his 17th consecutive year with the organization and 35th overall. Ed Wade arrived in 2007 with the mandate of keeping an aging, declining team competitive rather than rebuild, and the Astros have just begun to replenish a depleted minor league system. His contract runs through 2012. Scouting director Bobby Heck has had four drafts, spending high picks on the likes of catcher Jason Castro, pitchers Jordan Lyles and Mike Foltynewicz, second baseman Delino DeShields Jr., shortstop Jio Mier and outfielder George Springer and landing left fielder J.D. Martinez in the 20th round (2009.)

3. Determine how manager Brad Mills fits into the future. The Astros had a strong second half to finish 76-86 in his first season, but the team backslid 20 games and had the worst record in franchise history (56-106) in 2011. Mills hasn’t had a lot of talent to work with, and the team has traded away cornerstones Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence and Michael Bourne since his arrival. Mills has one year remaining on his contract, with a team option for 2013.

4. Execute a strategy for player acquisition this offseason. With the ownership status in the air, GM Ed Wade has taken an admittedly “passive” approach to free agency. With a $70 million windfall and a fan base to appease, will Crane open the purse strings at all to sign free agents? Pursuing a premium free agent wouldn’t seem to fit into the plans of an organization that’s in a rebuilding mode, but will the Astros be in a position to search for any mid-priced bargains? The July trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn that dumped salary but infused the minor-league system with prospects came in consultation with Crane. The Astros are expected to shop pitchers Wandy Rodriguez ($10 million salary in 2012) and Brett Myers ($11 million). Will the Astros dump salary at all costs, or will they focus on getting the best possible return in talent?

5. Work out the logistics, in conjunction with the Rockets, of launching a regional sports network set to launch in conjunction with Comcast in the fall of 2012. The tumultuous NBA situation is already a major complication in the venture. Astros games are set to move from Fox Sports Houston in 2013 – the same year the team begins play in the American League.